Roicissus (Rhoicissus) is an ornamental perennial whose foliage retains its color throughout the year. Creeping shoots of a liana-like type look very impressive. The plant belongs to the grape family. Botanists distinguish a separate genus called Roicissus, which unites about 10 species with different structures and colors. It is possible to meet shrubs in their natural environment only in the tropical regions of South African countries.
Florists have long grown Rocissus at home as one of the most unassuming indoor plants. The flower requires minimal maintenance and is able to thrive well in the shade and under the sun. The ambient temperature also has no particular effect on its vital functions. In wild species, in addition to simple leaves, the stems are decorated with umbrellas of small diameter. The flowering of a culture adapted to indoor life is observed in rare cases. Due to the active growth, the length of the shrub can reach up to 1.5 m.
Rocissus home care
Location and lighting
The development of rocissus is favorably influenced by bright and uniform light penetrating through window openings. Direct sunlight on the surface of the leaves entails an irreversible loss of plant color.
Temperature
For full growth, a perennial needs to maintain the air temperature in the room from 16 to 25 ° C. With the onset of winter, the flowerpot is moved to another cooler place, where the air temperature is no higher than 10-12 ° C.
Watering
In summer, the plant is watered abundantly, and in winter and autumn, the amount of water introduced is significantly reduced. In between waterings, the soil should dry out until the top layer of the substrate is covered with a crust.
Waterlogging of the soil, like drying out, leads to many problems, including: dropping of foliage, impaired growth of shoots and drying out of greenery. Stagnant moisture is the cause of the formation of brown spots on the leaf blades, as well as the development of mold. Excess water causes the leaves to curl.
Air humidity
Roicissus calmly treats air with low humidity, however, if the flowerpot stays in a room with dry air for a long time, the tips of the leaves will begin to dry out. To prevent this, the plant is regularly sprayed with settled water.
Fertilization
When the intensive growth of the crop begins, and this period falls in the spring or summer months, the soil under the Roicissus is periodically fed. The procedure is repeated every 2-3 weeks using complex mineral fertilizers. Lack of nutrients leads to slower growth.
Transfer
Rocissus is transplanted in the spring for biennial or three-year shrubs. Fresh earth is poured into the pot every year. Vines growing in a tub are transferred to a new container after the tub has rotted.
Rocissus breeding methods
Florists are guided by several methods of reproduction of the Rocissus.Firstly, cut cuttings are rooted, and secondly, the bush is divided into parts and the cuttings are planted in different pots. A less common method is to grow a crop using seeds.
It is better to do division in parallel with the transplant. Thus, the shrub will not be exposed to additional stress. Cut the rhizome extracted from the ground with a sharp knife.
Cuttings are allowed at any time of the year, but cuttings root fastest in winter or spring. The cut off pieces of branches are placed in a low container with water. It is allowed to drop 3-4 cuttings at once in one container. They are then kept warm at 20 to 22 ° C. After a couple of weeks, young roots appear on the branches.
After successful rooting, young shoots are planted in flowerpots, where a special soil mixture is poured. The substrate is easy to prepare at home. You will need a handful of sod, leafy and humus soil. At the end, add quality drainage material. The cuttings, planted in a separate pot, are thoroughly watered and cared for.
Diseases and pests
The terrestrial part of the Roicissus in most cases is infested with a spider mite or scabbard.
Useful Tips
- To form a slender and attractive frame, do not forget to pinch the ends of the shoots.
- In winter, Rocissus often suffers from mold. Over time, rot spreads to the rest of the plant, and it dies.
- While the vine is dormant, the flowerpot is kept in a cool room and the soil is watered less.
